Among the top-4 cell carriers in the United States, Verizon takes the cake (a rather big one) when it comes to 4G LTE coverage. AT&T comes in a distant second, while Sprint’s network comes in an even further third. T-Mobile’s LTE network doesn’t exist [yet], but let’s get back to Verizon. In a press release issued this morning, Verizon says that their 4G LTE network is, as of the beginning of 2013, available in over 470 markets, covering over 270 potential customers. Due to their rapid expansion, Verizon estimates that 4G LTE will be available in all areas where their current 3G network is already active. This is expected to be completed towards the middle of the year, moving up by 6 months over their original estimate.
Press Release
4G LTE: A 2013 Roadmap
Nation’s largest 4G LTE network now covers 473 markets
When it comes to wireless service, coverage and speed count. Customers can get the most out of the latest 4G LTE smartphones and tablets when they are used over a pervasive and speedy 4G LTEnetwork.
So it matters that, as 2013 begins, the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network is now available in 473 marketsand extends to 273.5 million potential customers. Already the largest commercial 4G LTE network in the world, the Verizon Wireless network continues to expand. Currently covering close to 89 percent of its U.S. footprint, by mid-year 4G LTE will be available in nearly every US market currently served by the company’s 3G data service. And by year’s end, the Verizon 4G LTE footprint will completely cover the area served today by its 3G network.
With the wide availability of 4G LTE, companies can use M2M solutions to make their businesses more efficient and secure, while consumers can use 4G LTE devices to interact with friends, family and brands through mobile video and online gaming. It also means more people across the country can take advantage of 4G LTE’s speed and coverage to access new and exciting services, including the in-home solution HomeFusion Broadband.
Fueled by expanding 4G LTE coverage, eMarketer predicts that more than 73 million people will watch mobile video in 2013, a 20 percent increase from 2012. And when a business invests in a Machine-to-Machine, online collaboration or mobile payment solution, it has more potential return on that investment with more deployment options in more parts of the country.
This year, the company also will continue to work with rural communications companies through LTE in Rural America, helping them to build and operate a 4G LTE network in their areas.
As we move forward in 2013 with the expansion of our 4G LTE network, we will continue seeing innovative products and solutions that reshape communications in many areas, ranging from business to education to healthcare.
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Source: Verizon